Our Vision
To be at the forefront in the accounting and financial services industry, and to provide our clients with the best possible outcomes.
The JPA Team
Jim Pickersgill | Managing Director + Butter Maker
Truth is, there isn't enough room here in this little square space to talk about Jim's extensive career and experience, so we created a whole new page just for him!
Click below to learn about the 'Jim' of Jim Pickersgill & Associates.
Lisa O'Brien | Operations Partner
Having worked in the travel industry for 25 years before beginning her career in the practice, Lisa is no stranger to organisation and impeccable customer service.
Lisa has worked with Jim since 2015 and loves her varied role that incorporates customer service and business manager, administration, and human resources officer.
You'll catch Lisa on her bike cycling the rail trail when she's not at JPA and when she gets the chance, loves a quiet read too. All this, of course, is in addition to her #1 role of being a mum of three.
Syd Jackson | Partner
Syd Jackson is locally born and bred and he brings to JPA a variety of life experiences. After having taught in and directed school music programs both in Melbourne and locally, he has career changed by successfully obtaining degrees in accounting and financial planning. He is passionate about helping people and highly values connecting with financial planning clients. Syd certainly has been a valuable addition to the JPA team.
He is an active member of the local community and loves spending time with his wife and two boys on their small Meeniyan acreage. You may even spot him cycling on our country roads or participating in local music events.
Karen Newton | Director of First Impressions
Karen has worked in the region for more than 33 years which is where she raised her children, and just like JPA, Karen recognises the importance of family.
She loves the team environment at JPA and looks forward to assisting clients to ensure they have the best experience possible.
Katie Pickersgill | Senior Accountant
Katie qualified as an accountant in 2009 and has mostly worked in taxation and auditing services for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds.
Katie then went on to gain further qualifications and attained a Diploma of Financial Planning (Level 1) in 2017 and intends to pursue further studies in SMSFs & Auditing.
Like her great dad, Katie is proud to belong to a small rural accounting firm that is active in the community, particularly in advocating mental health and supporting anti-cancer charities.
Katie is an affiliate member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), and the SMSF Association.
When not in the JPA sorting everyone's finances, Katie enjoys reading, listening to music and writing. Oh, and when she gets the chance loves to travel abroad.
Linda Richards | NDIS Plan Manager
Linda grew up in the local region before enjoying time in Melbourne and eventually returning to Gippsland to raise her family.
Having worked in the supermarket industry for most of her career, Linda has enjoyed a shift to the 'aged care' industry for the last 4 years and is now with JPA working with the NDIS team.
When she is not playing taxi to her three active kids you'll find her in the kitchen creating some baked delights or sneaking in a quiet read.
Leonie Smith | Bookkeeper
Leonie was born and raised on a Gippsland farm and has worked in administrative and bookkeeping positions in various industries for more than 38 years in the local area.
With a husband, two children and two grandchildren who she adores, Leonie loves to head away in her caravan to the beach.
Lynne Nicholas | Senior Accountant
Lynne is the member of the JPA team you’ll want to see when it comes to preparing superannuation funds, and business and personal income tax returns.
She has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years after completing a Bachelor of Accounting and Economics at Swinburne University in 2002. Lynne began her career with a public practice the following year and is now a member of the Institute of Public Accountants.
A born and bred South Gippsland local, she comes from a family of farmers in both beef and dairy and loves watching sport, including AFL, cricket, tennis and motorsport.
With a passion for cars - particularly historic cars - Lynne spends her weekends enjoying activities such as walking along the local rail trail and pottering around in her garden.
Stacey Sargant | Senior Accountant
Stacey has recently returned to accounting after taking some time off to raise her three young children, and is enjoying being a part of the JPA team.
She began her career in accounting with a local firm in 2006 while studying a double degree at Monash University. After finishing a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation, she was admitted as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2011.
Outside of accounting, Stacey enjoys bike riding, roller skating, camping and exploring the beautiful South Gippsland region with her family.
A passionate member of the local community, Stacey is also the secretary of the Leongatha Little Aths Club, and a member of the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band.
Melissa Harrison | NDIS Plan Manager
I’m Melissa, my friends call me Smellz - although I am assured it's a term of endearment.
Having grown up on a farm in Leongatha, I am familiar with our amazing local region and I feel very lucky to now be working with a great local practice in a field I am passionate about. My NDIS career launched after a 15 year stint working in retail and I have never looked back!
I am now the NDIS Customer Service Officer at JPA and love the change, the challenge and the personal reward. The JPA team are also fantastic to work alongside of (I promise they didn't make me write that).
I love watching any sports, also play tennis, netball and going on adventures with friends. Painfully a Bombers fan and I make sure to watch the boys play every game.
Sarah Lewis | Administration Support
Sarah may look familiar to some as she has resided in Leongatha her whole life.
She's a runner and participates in athletics and the local Parkrun - usually with Raven, one of her two rescue dogs. Aker, dog number two, isn't much of a runner so he spectates.
Her pony, Bugsy, a family member for more than 16 years, has a new friend. Sarah adopted a Brumby named Red. We love her love for animals.
When Sarah isn't running or riding, she enjoys relaxing and hanging out with her dogs.
Sue Linley | Bookkeeper / Administration Support
With two daughters, their dad and two grandchildren, Sue's family is her number one priority. Plus there is the family dog and a child abroad which Sue sponsors.
Her heart also aligns strongly with helping wildlife and caring for the environment while also volunteering for local community groups.
Sue is on of those super generous people, always looking out for others and is the perfect addition to the JPA family.